CUSTOMS TRADE PARTNERSHIP AGAINST TERRORISM: CTPAT 

CTPAT is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) voluntary trade partnership program in which CBP and members of the trade community work together to secure and facilitate the movement of legitimate international trade. The program focuses on improving security throughout the supply chain, beginning at the point of origin (including manufacturer, supplier, or vendor) through a point of distribution to the destination. Participation is voluntary and there are no costs associated with joining the program. 

Some of the benefits of the program include:

  • Reduced number of CBP examinations

  • Access to the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Lanes at the land borders

  • Shorter wait times at the border

  • Front of the line inspections

  • Possible exemption from Stratified Exams

  • Business resumption priority following a natural disaster or terrorist attack

  • Assignment of a Supply Chain Security Specialist to the company

  • Access to the CTPAT web-based Portal system and a library of training materials

  • Additional benefits by being recognized as a trusted trade Partner by foreign Customs administrations that have signed Mutual Recognition with the United States

  • Eligibility for other programs, such as the Food and Drug Administration’s Secure Supply Chain program and the Importer Self-Assessment Program (ISA)

  • Priority consideration at CBP’s industry-focused Centers of Excellence and Expertise

For detailed information regarding CTPAT and the application process, please visit: www.cbp.gov/ctpat